THE POT SIMMERS

One result of the prohibition controversy which abook Columbia University to its foundations some weeks ago is apparent in the letter sent to all alumni by the Commencement Day Committee. The gist of the communication, as might be expected, is a general appeal to those who have the good of the college at heart, "irrespective of their personal opinion as to the wisdom of the prohibition laws", to observe the several provisions of the Eighteenth Amendment at least while on university property.

The Commencement Day Committee is taking no chances on stirring up another such witches brew as the one which has just been allowed to cool. Seasonably forewarned by the effects of Dr. Butler's statements and the fiery denunciations of his opponents, they have wisely chosen to stifle any thoughts of illicit festivity, which might be taking shape in the minds of irresponsible graduates.

Both the tone and the subject matter of the Columbia committee's letter compare most favorably with the widely criticized "B. Y. O." note recently sent out by the president of the Associated Harvard Clubs. As Mr. H. H. Noyes very justly pointed out in an open letter some time ago, now is scarcely the time for university alumni, who are frequently termed the leaders of the common wealth, to set a general example of unrestrained conviviality in regard to the prohibition laws. It is quite possible, though perhaps hardly charitable, to suppose that had the Columbia committee not retained vivid recollections of the Butler incident. Its letter might never have seen the light; but even so, whatever the cause, the fact that such an appeal has appeared is distinctly an encouraging symptom.